The Bakersfield Brigade, Bakersfield’s own Premier Development League (PDL) soccer team, announced today that 2006 Brigade player Francisco Gomez (pictured left) has signed to play professional with Miami FC, a 2006 Expansion Professional franchise team playing within the United Soccer League’s (USL) First Division.

 

Francisco Gomez (Brigade Midfielder) has joined 2005 season Brigade Player Fabian Sandoval (pictured right) and has accepted to play the season out, with Miami FC. “We were very fortunate to be able to sign Francisco to our team,” stated Brigade General Manager Joe Jimenez. “Francisco came to us with interest in playing out our season . . . we knew having a player of his caliber would not only bring experience to our club, but show the discipline needed to make it to the next level . . . he was certainly an exciting player to watch on the field,” added Jimenez. Gomez joined the Brigade during the end of their 2006 season, played in their last four games and finished the season with 2 goals. “Playing with the Brigade is what I needed to do, play,” stated Gomez. “I appreciate the Brigade organization for providing me with an opportunity to play and leaving the door open for me to return someday,” added Gomez.

 

Gomez is an 8 year Major League Soccer (MLS) veteran who recently played with the Chivas USA team since their inaugural season in 2005. Prior to signing with Chivas USA, Gomez played for the Kansas City Wizards, played with them in his rookie year in 1999 and was with them in 2000 when they championed the MLS Cup. During his youth, Gomez Captained the U.S. U-17 National Team that competed in the 1995 FIFA U-17 World Championship in Bolivia. Later, while playing with the U.S. U-20 National Team, Gomez recorded 2 goals and 4 assists before being picked up by the California Jaguars of the A-League. Miami FC (6-8-5) has nine games remaining on their 2006 schedule and will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps (7-5-8) on Sunday (8/6).

 

The Brigade wrapped up their 2006 season on July 23rd as they traveled to Fresno and played the Fuego to a 3-3 tie. Their overall season record improved over their previous season as they finished with 22 points and a 7-8-1 record. The Bakersfield Brigade Soccer Club, playing within the United Soccer Leagues’ PDL Southwestern Conference is made up of nine teams throughout California.